How Much Is Caviar? Prices by Type & Ounce

Caviar has long been synonymous with luxury, and its price often reflects the time, expertise, and rarity behind every tin. Knowing this, however, many people often have one common question when shopping: “How much is caviar, exactly?” Depending on the sturgeon species, origin, grade, pearl size, and quantity, caviar can cost up to several hundred dollars per ounce.

However, understanding caviar prices is about more than finding the least or most expensive option. Different varieties offer distinct pearl size, textures, colors, and flavor profiles, while factors like maturation time and production methods can significantly influence what you pay.

Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, choosing an unforgettable gift, or celebrating a special occasion, knowing what influences the price can help you choose a tin that’s worth the investment. Below, this guide breaks down caviar prices by type and ounce, explains what determines their cost, and explores what to consider when choosing caviar for your table.

Quick Caviar Price Guide

While exact prices can vary between producers and retailers, these general ranges offer a helpful starting point:

Keep in mind that these are broad estimates. Species, origin, grade, availability, pearl characteristics, production methods, and tin size can all influence the final price of caviar. For additional guidance, we encourage you to read: “Caviar Buying Guide: Which Caviar to Buy.”

Caviar Prices Per Ounce

Not all caviar is created equal. Different sturgeon species produce distinctly different pearls, flavors, and textures. And often, those differences are reflected in the price. Here is what you can expect:

How Much Is Beluga Caviar?

Beluga caviar is among the rarest and most expensive caviars in the world, with prices often ranging from $200 to $600 or more per ounce. Much of that price comes down to time and scarcity. True Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) can take well over a decade to reach maturity, making their roe significantly more time-intensive to produce than that of faster-maturing species.

The caviar itself is also distinctive. Beluga produces some of the largest caviar pearls, typically ranging from pale silver-gray to darker gray, with a delicate texture and smooth, refined flavor. Its combination of rarity, slow maturation, and highly prized pearls places authentic Beluga firmly at the top of the caviar market. 

You can learn more about this premium caviar by reading our article: “What Is Beluga Caviar? A Full Guide.”

How Much Is Kaluga Hybrid Caviar?

Kaluga Hybrid, produced from a hybrid of Kaluga and Amur or Shassetra sturgeon roe, combines characteristics that make it particularly appealing to lovers of large-pearl caviar. Kaluga Hybrid caviar prices range, on average, from $90 to $300 or more per ounce, with premium grades and larger quantities reaching considerably higher prices. 

Its pearls are typically large and firm, with colors ranging from golden-brown and offering a smooth, clean flavor. Because of its generous pearl size and satisfying texture, Kaluga Hybrid is frequently compared with Beluga, earning the nickname “River Beluga.” Ultimately, Kaluga Hybrid offers a similar experience at a more accessible price point. Nonetheless, it has developed a reputation as a premium caviar in its own right.

Learn more by reading our comprehensive article, “Kaluga Caviar: The Freshwater Giant’s Golden Roe Explained.” Additionally, you can shop for premium River Beluga Hybrid Caviar at Petrusco.

How Much Is Ossetra Caviar?

Ossetra caviar generally costs around $75 to $250 or more per ounce, although exceptional grades can command higher prices. Produced by Ossetra sturgeon, this variety is particularly prized for its firm, medium-to-large pearls and complex nutty flavor, which can range from clean and briny to distinctly savory.

There’s also considerable variation within Ossetra itself. Pearl size, firmness, color, origin, and overall grade can all influence its value, with larger pearls and sought-after golden or amber hues often carrying a premium. That range, however, is part of Ossetra’s appeal: different selections can offer noticeably different tasting experiences while remaining within one of caviar’s most celebrated categories. 

Shop premium Royal Ossetra Caviar at Petrusco, known for its buttery texture and nutty complexity. To learn more before purchasing, read our article: “What Is Ossetra Caviar? A Complete Guide.”

How Much Is Sevruga Caviar?

Sevruga caviar typically falls around $80 to $150 or more per ounce. Produced by the smaller Sevruga sturgeon, it’s known for smaller pearls and a more pronounced flavor than many large-pearl varieties. Additionally, with Sevruga caviar, you may notice pearl colors such as light gray, charcoal gray, or near-black, lacking the golden tints found in other species. 

Because Sevruga Sevruga sturgeon mature in 7-10 years, more quickly than species such as Beluga, their roe has historically been more accessible. However, its smaller pearls shouldn’t be mistaken for lower quality. Sevruga is prized for its intense, briny character and delicate texture, making it particularly appealing to those who prefer a bolder caviar flavor. 

Shop high-quality Sevruga Caviar at Petrusco, which has a smooth, buttery taste and is celebrated worldwide for its balanced flavor.

How Much Is Siberian/Baeri Caviar?

Siberian caviar, also known as Baeri caviar, commonly costs around $60 to $145 or more per ounce. It comes from the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii), a species well suited to aquaculture and capable of reaching maturity sooner than some of the world’s rarest sturgeon. More specifically, Siberian caviar matures in 6-8 years, making it more accessible than comparable options. 

Baeri typically features small-to-medium pearls with colors ranging from charcoal gray to brown. As for taste, you’ll notice a rich, buttery flavor layered with delicate salinity, savory umami, and creamy egg yolk notes. Its combination of reliable production, authentic sturgeon roe, and distinctive flair makes it a popular introduction to fine caviar without positioning it as a lesser substitute for premium varieties. 

For those interested, shop quality Baerii Hybrid Caviar at Petrusco, crafted from a cross of Acipenser schrenckii and Acipenser baerii. 

How Much Is Non-Sturgeon Roe?

For shoppers just entering the caviar market, paddlefish, hackleback, and salmon roe are often sold right alongside traditional caviar. These selections generally cost around $45 to $75 or more, although prices vary by species, producer, and quality. 

There is, however, an important distinction: true caviar comes distinctly from sturgeon. Paddlefish roe, for example, may resemble some sturgeon caviar with its small, gray pearls and savory, briny flavor, but it comes from an entirely different species. Conversely, hackleback, also known as the shovelnose sturgeon, is actually a North American sturgeon, so its roe does qualify as a true sturgeon caviar. This is something worth clarifying rather than grouping the two together. 

Non-sturgeon roe can offer an enjoyable experience at a lower price point. However, when comparing caviar prices, always check the species. A lower price may reflect an entirely different type of roe rather than simply a less expensive grade of caviar.

At Petrusco, you can find an extensive selection of premium roe, ranging from wild Alaska Salmon Roe to Paddlefish Caviar. Learn more by reading “Timeless Types of Caviar That Work for Any Occasion."

Caviar Price Per Ounce, Gram, and Pound

Caviar is commonly sold by the gram or ounce, while larger formats may be priced by the pound. Knowing how these measurements compare makes it easier to evaluate prices across different tin sizes. 

• 1 Ounce = Approximately 28.35 grams
• 1 Pound = 16 ounces, or approximately 454 grams
• Price per Gram = total price / total grams

For example, a 30-gram tin priced at $120 costs approximately $4 per gram. If you’re comparing it with a larger tin, calculating the price per gram provides a more accurate comparison than looking at the total price alone. Serving size matters, too. Around 10 to 15 grams per person is generally appropriate for a tasting or appetizer, so a 30-gram tin can provide approximately two to three portions. We break this down further in our article, “Caviar Serving Size Guide: How Much Per Person.”

When shopping at Petrusco, make sure to join The Caviar Club, where we ensure caviar remains accessible and available while offering uncompromising value and service. As a member, you’ll periodically receive a quantity of the best quality caviar in the USA for less than $1 per gram.  Learn more about The Caviar Club’s subscription opportunities here. 

What Determines Caviar Cost?

Species is one of the biggest influences on caviar cost. Sturgeons can take anywhere from 7 to 20 years to mature, requiring years of specialized feed, clean water, space, and expert care before they ever produce roe. 

Once harvested, the roe requires precise handling. It must be separated, cleaned, salted, sorted, graded, packaged, and kept properly chilled without damaging the delicate pearls. Pearl size, color, firmness, uniformity, texture, and flavor can all influence grading and price. 

Additionally, processing is equally important. Malossol caviar is prepared using relatively little salt to preserve the character of the roe, while pasteurization can extend shelf life but may alter its texture. Together, species, production, processing, and final quality determine where a particular caviar falls within the price spectrum.

Farmed Caviar Versus Wild Caviar

Most caviar available today comes from farm-raised sturgeon, and farmed caviar is every bit as authentic as wild sturgeon. Modern aquaculture allows producers to carefully manage water quality, nutrition, growth, and harvesting while providing greater consistency and traceability. 

Wild caviar, by contrast, is now heavily restricted due to the historic decline of many sturgeon populations. As a result, the exceptionally limited availability of legally sourced wild caviar can contribute to significantly higher prices. For buyers, “farmed” shouldn’t be interpreted as a lower-quality designation in the slightest. Species, origin, farming practices, grading, freshness, and handling ultimately tell you far more about the caviar you’re purchasing. 

At Petrusco, we lead the way in eco-friendly sturgeon farming, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with innovative sustainability to deliver unmatched flavor. If you’re interested in learning more about the process, review our article: “A Guide to Sustainable Caviar: Wild vs. Farmed.”

Caspian Caviar: Why Does Origin Affect the Price?

The Caspian Sea is inseparable from caviar’s history. Beluga, Ossetra, and Sevruga sturgeon native to the region helped establish the flavors, textures, and prestige associated with traditional fine caviar. That heritage continues to influence pricing, but so do modern realities. 

Conservation measures, quotas, fishing restrictions, and international trade regulations have made traditional wild Caspian caviar extraordinarily limited. Today, exceptional caviar is produced through responsible aquaculture around the world. While Caspian provenance carries historical prestige, origin is simply one part of a caviar’s overall value. 

Authentic Caviar: How to Know What You’re Buying

Authentic caviar comes from sturgeon, which makes the species one of the first things to check when evaluating a tin. Reputable sellers should clearly identify what you’re purchasing rather than relying on vague descriptions. Look for information including:

• Sturgeon species
• Country of origin
• Producer or farm
• Product or lot information
• Packaging or production details

Traceability is particularly important with a product as specialized as caviar. Depending on the product and seller, you may also be able to find harvest or lot information that provides additional insight into its provenance. 

Buying from an established caviar specialist like Petrusco Caviar can simplify this process by giving you clear information about the selections available and helping you choose according to species, flavor, texture, and occasion.  

Where To Buy Caviar

Because freshness and temperature control are essential to the caviar experience, where you buy from matters. A dedicated caviar specialist can offer something a general retailer often can’t: a carefully curated selection, detailed knowledge of each variety, and proper handling from storage through delivery. 

When buying caviar online, look beyond price alone. A reputable seller should clearly identify the species, origin, quantity, and characteristics of each selection while using insulated, temperature-controlled packaging to protect freshness in transit. (Here’s how to store caviar once it arrives, for those curious.)

At Petrusco, we make that experience simple with an expertly selected collection of premium caviar for everything from first tastings to milestone celebrations. Rather than choosing a tin based on price alone, you can explore varieties according to their flavor, texture, pearl size, and character, making it easier to find a caviar worthy of the occasion.

Servings, Pairings, and Presentation

The right presentation allows caviar to speak for itself. Serve it well chilled, preferably with the tin nestled over ice, rather than allowing it to approach room temperature. (Fresh caviar is the best caviar.)

A mother-of-pearl spoon is a classic choice, as it won’t interfere with the caviar’s delicate flavor. For accompaniments, keep things equally restrained. French mini blinis, toast points, and crème fraîche provide neutral foundations that complement the pearls without overpowering them. When you’re serving an especially fine caviar, you can also enjoy a small spoonful on its own to appreciate its texture, salinity, and finish before adding accompaniments. 

Moreover, to complement your caviar experience, Petrusco offers Gourmet Cheese, premium Wagyu, Truffle oils, sauces, and salts, and additional luxury pairings. Explore your options and decide how you want to define your caviar tasting experience.

Caviar Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage protects both the quality of your caviar and the investment you’ve made in it. Caviar should remain refrigerated and consistently cold according to the storage instructions provided with the product. Once opened, caviar is best enjoyed promptly, as exposure to air can begin affecting its flavor and texture. 

Additionally, exact shelf life varies depending on the product, processing, packaging, and storage conditions. Always follow the use-by date and instructions on your specific tin. When ordering online, insulated cold-chain packaging is equally important. Caviar should arrive properly chilled and be transferred to refrigeration as soon as possible.

Caviar Grading And Quality Indicators

Price can tell you something about caviar, but the pearls themselves tell you much more. Caviar is evaluated on a grading scale using characteristics such as pearl size, color, uniformity, firmness, texture, aroma, and flavor. Larger pearls may command a premium in certain varieties, while attractive coloration and consistent pearls can also affect grading. Still, bigger isn’t automatically better; each sturgeon species naturally produces different characteristics. 

You’ll often see the term “malossol,” meaning “little salt.” This describes a lightly salted preparation designed to preserve the caviar while allowing its natural flavor to remain prominent. For those interested in learning about this process, we encourage you to read: “Guide to Caviar Grades: How Is Caviar Graded?”